Given the nature of people’s gastrointestinal systems, many often suffer from constipation in various forms. While some experience constipation in the form of constant gas and difficulty passing stools, others don’t have frequent bowel movements due to their diet. No matter what type of constipation that a person might have, it’s a problem that affects a lot of people around the country.
Constipation, also known as dyschezia or costiveness, does have several treatment options that of which work best in accordance to what people need. Fybogel, as an example, is a medication that helps relieve constipation and the symptoms associated with it. To learn more about this particular medication, visit the source here.
While we’re not reviewing the treatment options here, we are going to look at more information about constipation in this short article.
A look at constipation
In a general sense, constipation refers to any bowel movements that become infrequent and/or hard to expel from the bowels. There are many causes behind constipation; the condition itself is even a symptom of many other conditions, including surgeries, pregnancy and some psychological conditions.
There are actually two known types of causes behind constipation. The first type is known as obstructed defecation, while the second is known as hypomobility. Since constipation usually forms as a symptom of a larger cause, constipation itself is usually a symptom of conditions like dietary changes, hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism and side effects from various medications.
The most common form of constipation is functional constipation, meaning that it’s not at all life threatening. This form of constipation is commonly caused by a lack of fiber intake, decreased physical activity, medical conditions and medication side effects.
Constipation is more common than most people think; it can affect up to 30 percent of a general population at any given time. While constipation itself has no known ‘organic cause,’ it does affect men and women at different frequencies, with women experiencing constipation more often.
People who experience moderate to severe symptoms from constipation will likely need to seek immediate medical attention. Medical evaluation for constipation is usually needed when sudden onset and/or severe symptoms start appearing alongside constipation.
A medical evaluation for constipation may require a full physical examination, blood tests, abdominal x-rays, barium enemas and a defecography.
In most cases, people are treated with regular medication aimed at subsiding the symptoms associated with constipation. These medications include laxatives, suppositories, dietary fiber and, in rare cases, surgery.